Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 1:59:08 PM
On 10 February 2026, the State Government’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) made a recommendation to approve the proposed Smiths Beach Project (Coastal Tourism Village) in Yallingup.
On 3 March 2026, the City of Busselton wrote to the Minister for the Environment, Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC, to lodge an appeal against this EPA recommendation. The City’s letter drew attention to departures by the EPA from its own objectives and functions and questioned whether the assessment had proper regard to the Statement of Environmental Principles.
In particular, the City has significant concerns that the EPA recommendation is compromised by:
- Inaccurate calculations of required vegetation clearing
- Insufficient consideration of visual landscape impact
- Inadequate attention to coastal processes
- A failure to enforce longstanding requirements to cede land for inclusion in the National Park
A copy of this letter has been published in full as part of the Elected Member Bulletin contained in the agenda for the Ordinary Council Meeting being held on Wednesday 25 March 2026. View the full Council Agenda here. A quick link to the letter is also provided here for your convenience.
Next Steps
The Appeals Convenor will now be required to investigate and make a recommendation to the Minister. The Minister may allow (in full or in part) the Appeal or decide to dismiss it. Once the Minister has made his decision, the application process through the State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU) will continue, considering the outcome of Appeal and any decision made by the Minister for the Environment in this regard.
There are no statutory timeframes for the Appeal process. Please see the EPA website for guidance: Office of the Appeals Convenor
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Environment – An environment that is valued, conserved and able to be enjoyed by current and future generations.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au or 0448 166 898
For community enquiries with regard to the City’s Appeal, please contact Joanna Wilson, Manager Planning and Development on 9781 0475.
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